Numbers down at Kamloops Airport for fifth straight month

KAMLOOPS - September was the fifth month in a row with fewer people walking through the gate at Fulton Field than the year before.

The decrease compared to September 2015 is due to factors in northern Alberta, according to a press release from the Kamloops Airport. The May fire in Fort McMurray and decreased oil industry economic activity have both decreased the number of air travellers heading to the oil fields.

While the number of travellers in September 2016 was lower than September 2015, they were closer than the previous four months. September 2016 was only 1.9 per cent below the same period last year. This may be because New Leaf, the new budget air service, runs through Kamloops increasing some traffic, the release states.

However, 2016 is still ahead of 2015 overall, thanks to a strong winter season at the beginning of 2016. Almost 2,500 more visitors have come through over the same period last year.

Additionally, upgrades to the airport apron are nearly done, with use expected to begin in November.

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